Quick Answer
The DJI O4 Air Unit is DJI's latest digital FPV video system, sold in two versions: the O4 Pro for 5-inch and larger builds, and the O4 Lite for micro drones under 150g. Both transmit 1080p video to compatible DJI goggles and record 4K footage onboard, removing the need for a separate action camera. The O4 Pro delivers better image quality and range, while the O4 Lite prioritises weight savings at under 9 grams.
What is the DJI O4 Air Unit?
The O4 Air Unit is a combined camera and video transmitter that replaces your analog FPV camera and VTX with a single digital system. It connects to your flight controller, records footage to an SD card or internal memory, and beams a live 1080p feed to your goggles on 5.8GHz. Betaflight OSD is fully supported, so all your usual flight data appears on the video feed.
O4 Pro vs O4 Lite: Which One?
| Feature | O4 Pro | O4 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 33g | 8.5g |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Live Feed | 1080p at 60Mbps | 1080p |
| Onboard Recording | 4K 60/120fps, D-Log M | 4K 60fps |
| Antennas | Dual LHCP | Single dipole |
| Input Voltage | 7.4V to 26.4V (2S-6S) | Lower voltage support |
| Advertised Range | 15km FCC / 8km CE | 10km FCC / 6km CE |
| Best For | 5-inch freestyle, cinewhoops | 3-inch and smaller micros |
Pick the O4 Pro for 5-inch freestyle or cinematic builds where image quality matters. The larger 1/1.3 inch sensor handles low light better, dual antennas give stronger signal at range, and D-Log M colour profiles give more room in post-production.
Pick the O4 Lite for anything 3-inch or smaller: toothpicks, tiny whoops, lightweight cinewhoops. Its single-board design and sub-9-gram weight keep micro builds flyable without sacrificing digital video quality.
What Changed from O3 to O4?
The O4 Pro is lighter than the O3 (33g versus 39.5g) despite packing a larger sensor. Live feed bitrate jumps from 50Mbps to 60Mbps for a sharper goggle image. DJI also added D-Log M recording support and increased advertised range from 10km to 15km on FCC settings. The O4 Pro fits both 20x20mm and 25.5x25.5mm mounting patterns, while the O3 only supported 25.5mm.
Installation and Wiring
The O4 Pro connects to your flight controller via a single cable carrying video, UART for OSD, and power. It accepts 2S to 6S input voltage, so you can power it from your FC's 5V pad or a dedicated VBAT passthrough. The O4 Lite uses shorter cables designed for tight micro builds and supports lower voltages, making it compatible with 1S setups when paired with an appropriate AIO like the GOKU F405 HD 1S 12A AIO.
In Betaflight, the O4 system is detected automatically. Enable the DJI OSD under the OSD tab and your flight data will appear in the goggles.
Compatible Goggles
The O4 works with four DJI goggle models: the Goggles N3 and Goggles 3 deliver the full 1080p at 60Mbps experience. The Goggles 2 and Goggles Integra work at a slightly reduced 50Mbps. All four support OSD, recording control, and menu access.
Antenna Considerations
The O4 Pro ships with two LHCP dipole antennas on U.FL connectors. For most flying these are fine. If you need replacements, the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro Antenna is available separately. The O4 Lite uses a single U.FL antenna, which is one of the trade-offs for its lower weight.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No signal in goggles: Power cycle the air unit and use the goggles' link menu to rescan. Check that antennas are firmly seated on the U.FL ports.
Flickering or dropouts: Often a range or interference issue. Avoid flying behind large metal objects and check that both antennas (O4 Pro) are undamaged. Read more in our video signal problems guide.
Recording failures: Use a U3 or V30 rated microSD card. The O4 Pro writes at up to 130Mbps, which budget cards cannot handle.
For a broader look at digital versus analog, see our analog vs digital FPV comparison.
What to Buy
- Flywoo DJI O4 Wide Air Unit 155° FOV - widened field of view upgrade for the O4 Pro
- DJI O4 Air Unit Pro Antenna - replacement antennas for the O4 Pro
- Happymodel DJI O4 FOV Extender Kit - FOV extender with ND filters for O4 cameras
- Browse VTX and camera combos or FPV goggles
FAQ
Q: Is the O4 compatible with the original DJI FPV goggles?
A: No. The O4 requires DJI Goggles 2, Integra, 3, or N3. The original DJI FPV Goggles (V1) and V2 are not supported.
Q: Can I use the O4 with a 1S battery?
A: Only the O4 Lite, and only with a compatible AIO flight controller. Or with a special O4 BEC that doesnt cause the O4 Lite to cut out when your battery voltage gets low. The O4 Pro requires at least 2S (7.4V).
Q: Do I still need an action camera?
A: For most pilots, no. The O4 Pro records 4K 60fps with RockSteady stabilisation and D-Log M, which covers social media and YouTube well. Professional filmmakers may still want a GoPro for maximum bitrate.